Emma Rebeca Macías Balleza | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Emma Rebeca Macías Balleza | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Guadalajara, Mexico

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Emma Rebeca Macías Balleza began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (1990) from the University of Guadalajara, followed by a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (1994). Her passion for materials and chemical processes led her to pursue a Doctorate in Science in Chemical Engineering at the same university, in cotutorship with a Doctorate in Physics from the University of Grenoble, France (2002). This strong foundation in multidisciplinary studies allowed her to develop expertise in polymers, nanomaterials, and complex fluid rheology.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Currently, she serves as a Senior Research Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering in the University Centre of Exact Sciences and Engineering, University of Guadalajara. Over the years, she has actively contributed to industrial and academic projects, fostering international collaborations with institutions such as Université Grenoble Alpes (France), Université de Rennes (France), and the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Her consultancy work extends to more than ten industry projects, further bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research is centered on polymer synthesis and characterization, the rheology of complex fluids, and the development of nanomaterials from agroindustrial waste for reinforcement in polymeric and construction matrices. These areas of expertise contribute significantly to sustainable materials engineering, where she explores innovative ways to utilize waste materials for high-performance applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Emma Macías Balleza is a recognized researcher and academic leader, having completed ten collaborative research projects and published extensively. She has played a pivotal role in shaping research policies and evaluations at both institutional and national levels. As a National System of Researchers member since 2002 and a Professor with a Desirable Profile by the Ministry of Public Education since 2000, she continuously influences the next generation of researchers.

📊 Academic Citations and Publications

Her extensive publication record includes:

  • Google Scholar: 60 documents, 746 citations, h-index 16
  • Scopus: 38 documents, 572 citations, h-index 14
  • SCI/Scopus Indexed Journals: 43 publications
    She has also contributed to three chapter books, enhancing the global knowledge base in analytical chemistry and polymer engineering.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Her technical expertise spans polymer characterization, rheological analysis, nanomaterial synthesis, and analytical chemistry techniques. She has extensive experience in material testing and the application of nanotechnology in industrial and construction materials.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Emma Macías Balleza is deeply involved in postgraduate education, contributing as a faculty member in Materials Science programs. She has mentored numerous students and participated in advisory roles within institutional and national evaluation committees, such as SEP and CONHACYT. She also serves as a reviewer for prestigious scientific journals, ensuring the advancement of research in her field.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As the head of the Rheology Academic Group at the University of Guadalajara, she has been instrumental in advancing research on fluid behavior in complex systems. Her contributions to the study of sustainable nanomaterials hold promise for future advancements in environmentally friendly polymers and industrial applications. Looking ahead, her work aims to further integrate circular economy principles into materials science, promoting green and efficient solutions for polymer engineering.

📖Notable Publications

  • Influence of Chemical, Morphological, Spectroscopic and Calorimetric Properties of Agroindustrial Cellulose Wastes on Drainage Behavior in Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixtures

    • Authors: L.Y. Cabello-Suárez, J. Anzaldo-Hernández, J.R. Galaviz-Gonzalez, P. Limón-Covarrubias, E.R. Macías-Balleza
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024
  • Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposite Films Reinforced with Nanocellulose from Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul Bagasse

    • Authors: M.G. Lomelí-Ramírez, B. Reyes-Alfaro, S.L. Martínez-Salcedo, E.R. Macías-Balleza, S. García-Enriquez
    • Journal: Polymers
    • Year: 2023
  • Structural Behavior of Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymer P104/Water System

    • Authors: É.B. Figueroa-Ochoa, L.M. Bravo-Anaya, R. Vaca-López, Y. Rharbi, J.F.A. Soltero-Martínez
    • Journal: Polymers
    • Year: 2023
  • Optimization of the obtaining of cellulose nanocrystals from agave tequilana weber var. Azul Bagasse by acid hydrolysis

    • Authors: M.A. Gallardo-Sánchez, T. Diaz-Vidal, A.B. Navarro-Hermosillo, S.G. Enríquez, E.R. Macías-Balleza
    • Journal: Nanomaterials
    • Year: 2021

Yossef Elabd | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yossef Elabd | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Texas A&M University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic and Professional Background

Prof. Dr. Yossef Elabd is a distinguished researcher and academic leader currently serving as the Vice Chancellor for Research at The Texas A&M University System. The Texas A&M University System comprises 11 universities and 8 state agencies, collectively managing externally funded research expenditures of $1.5 billion annually. In his role, Dr. Elabd provides strategic research leadership and oversees multiple offices and initiatives, including Texas A&M Innovation, National Laboratories Office, Bush Combat Development Complex, Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, Texas A&M Fort Worth, Research Security Office, Research Compliance Office, Research Administration Office, Research Development Office, and the Chancellor’s Research Initiative.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Elabd held several key administrative positions at Texas A&M University, including Interim Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering, Interim Director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, Associate Dean for Research of Engineering, and Associate Department Head of Chemical Engineering. His leadership has played a crucial role in advancing research and innovation within the university system.

🔬 Research and Teaching Contributions

In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Elabd is a Professor and the Axalta Coating Systems Chair II in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research primarily focuses on electrochemical energy storage and conversion, including batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells, as well as materials and polymer science. Over the years, he has been recognized for his pioneering contributions to chemical engineering and materials science.

Dr. Elabd is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and has held prestigious international positions such as Senior Fellow at the Instituto di Studi Avanzati, Università di Bologna, and Scholar in Residence at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). His excellence in research has been acknowledged through multiple awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, the ARO Young Investigator Award, and the DuPont Science and Engineering Award.

As an educator, Dr. Elabd has taught chemical engineering courses at all academic levels, from undergraduate freshmen to graduate students, ensuring the next generation of engineers and researchers receive world-class training.

📚 Educational Background

Dr. Elabd holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He further honed his research skills as a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.

🌍 Impact and Legacy

With an illustrious career spanning academic leadership, groundbreaking research, and excellence in teaching, Dr. Yossef Elabd continues to drive innovation in electrochemical energy and materials science. His leadership at The Texas A&M University System has strengthened research capabilities and fostered cutting-edge advancements in engineering and technology.

📖Notable Publications

Nanofiber/Nanoparticle Electrodes for Ultra‐low Platinum Fuel Cells via Simultaneous Foam Electrospinning and Electrospraying

Authors: Dohyun Kim, Rui Sun, Yossef A. Elabd

Journal: Fuel Cells

Year: 2025-04

Poly(ionic liquid) ABC triblock and ABCBA pentablock terpolymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Authors: Dohyun Kim, Rui Sun, Roger Tocchetto, Carl Willis, Bert Krutzer, Frederick L. Beyer, Yossef A. Elabd

Journal: RSC Applied Polymers

Year: 2024

Star poly(ionic liquid)s: Chain architecture‐property relationships

Authors: Kevin D. Nixon, Rui Sun, Yossef A. Elabd

Journal: Journal of Polymer Science

Year: 2024-08

Highly Frustrated Poly(ionic liquid) ABC Triblock Terpolymers with Exceptionally High Morphology Factors

Authors: Patrick M. Lathrop, Rui Sun, Frederick L. Beyer, Yossef A. Elabd

Journal: Macromolecules

Year: 2024-04-23

Synthesis of 3-, 4-, and 6-arm star poly(ionic liquid)s

Authors: Kevin Nixon, Rui Sun, Yossef A. Elabd

Journal: Polymer

Year: 2023-06

Dehumidification via polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis with sulfonated pentablock terpolymer

Authors: Yifei Yang, Roger Tocchetto, Kevin Nixon, Rui Sun, Yossef A. Elabd

Journal: Journal of Membrane Science

Year: 2022-09